Tag Archives: fishing vacation

Fishing the Gulf of Mexico

Dunedin Causeway, Florida

Fishing the Gulf of Mexico is lots of fun. While this blog is about charters, be aware that you can also fish from beaches, piers, causeways, and other great locations. Wading into the coastal waterways is popular, especially in Clearwater Harbor or St. Joseph Sound. Our coasts are very shallow, so you can wade out a surprising distance. If you take a drive down the coastal roads of Clearwater and Dunedin, you will spot fishermen wading far out into the harbor. However, the shallow waters are home to certain types of fish, while the deeper waters off the coast are home to completely different varieties. That is why fishing charters on the Central Gulf Coast are so popular.

Find Fishing Charters on the Central Gulf Coast of Florida

Finding a fishing charter near Clearwater Beach is not difficult. In fact, you will find fishing charters on the Central Gulf Coast are plentiful. A walk down the docks of Clearwater Marina will light up the eyes of anyone who likes deep sea fishing. You have the choice of small private charters or very large fishing vessels.

You will also find a lineup of fishing charters at the Dunedin docks, just north of Clearwater on the coastal road. If you are closer to the southern beaches of St Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, or the Redington Shores area, you will find fishing charters along the intra-coastal waterway, or at the popular tourist docks of John’s Pass.

Prices will vary, usually related to the size of the boat or the quality of the charter. Some are simple fishing trips. Others include perks like a cooler of beer and snacks. The charters usually run from 4 to 8 hours. The minimum of 4 hours is necessary because of how far out your captain will have to go in order to reach deep waters.

Best Fish of the Central Gulf Coast of Florida

Clearwater Beach Marina

The Gulf of Mexico has some delicious fish, and the Central Gulf Coast of Florida is no exception. Topping the list of yummy Gulf Coast fish are flounder, grunts, Spanish mackerel, dog fish, and grouper. (If you catch a black grouper, make sure that’s the one you cook up!) The recipe you use is up to you, but if you don’t feel like cooking fish on vacation, that’s ok. Many of the local restaurants will cook your fish for you! That’s right, the local cooks will take your fish and serve it up restaurant style. It’s a great way to go, and it makes for some fond Florida Gulf Coast vacation memories too.

Hurricane Pass Gulf Coast Fishing Secret

What is Hurricane Pass? Hurricane pass is the channel of water that flows between Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island. The two islands were connected until 1921 when a hurricane dug the sand away between them. The waterway between the mainland and the barrier islands is called Saint Joseph Sound. Each day, Hurricane Pass is burdened with the duty of letting tidal waters pass into and out of the Sound. The currents can be quite strong, sometimes creating swirling eddies 100 feet across of the tip of Honeymoon Island.

What is the Gulf Coast Fishing Secret?

The currents that flow in and out of Saint Joseph Sound carry the nutrients that smaller fish like to feed on. The smaller fish pull in larger fish who want to feed on them in turn. You are at the top of this chain with pole in hand. You will see the water in motion right away when you arrive.

Gulf Coast Fishing Location

The site is on the southernmost tip of Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, Florida. You can take a boat there, naturally, but by car you must enter Honeymoon Island State Park, which has a small entrance fee. Turn left at the first chance and continue to the entrance to the dog beach which will starts in the brush to the left along the parking area. Follow all the pet owners down the trail but when they turn right you keep going straight until the trail veers left where you will see the water of Saint Joseph Sound ahead. Pick a spot anywhere on the tip of the island. Harbor patrols cruise the area so make sure your fishing license is in order.

Fishing the Florida Gulf Coast

Many distinct fishing environments await fishermen along the coastline of the Florida Gulf Coast. Enjoy unique experiences on seagoing vessels above the wide, shallow continental shelf or wading in shallows of the intercostal waterways. Cast off a white sand beach or float amid the mangroves in Florida’s wilder areas. Wherever you go, you will discover why the Gulf Coast of Florida is one of the nation’s hotspots for fishing.

Gulf Coast Fish

The best known fish along the Central Gulf Coast is the tarpon, thanks to the namesake city, Tarpon Springs. Among the tarpons watery neighbors are Spanish mackerel, grouper, kingfish, snook, redfish, and many others. A local favorite is the mullet, a fish known in the region for its frequent, trademark leaps into the air. The varieties are endless.

Go Fishing on the Florida Gulf Coast

Join the many others who have learned what our coastal waters have to offer. Fishing charters abound for the avid enthusiast as well as many favorite local shoreline locations. If you are coming to Florida for your next fishing vacation, be sure to contact Florida Beach Rentals for more information.